Director, Major Gifts

About the role

Director, Major Gifts

Uncommon Schools seeks a Director, Major Gifts to own the full major donor lifecycle. You will guide prospects from initial contact to transformational commitment and sustained partnership. Your responsibilities directly shape how philanthropic investment supports student success in urban public schools. You will convert data into human centered strategies that unlock seven figure capacity.

This is a full time role based in New York, us. The compensation range is $116,800-$146,000.

Role responsibilities include designing tailored cultivation roadmaps that connect individual donor priorities with school impact goals and strategic priorities. You will architect proposals, letters of inquiry, and customized narratives that translate complex school outcomes into compelling investment cases. You will host in person and virtual meetings, including school visits and curated experiences that deepen trust with givers.

You will map prospective donor networks, research organizations, and qualify high capacity prospects to build a robust pipeline. Entering detailed records, forecasts, and pipeline data into Salesforce or similar systems will maintain accuracy and support revenue planning. You will coordinate with program and marketing teams to align stories, evidence, and engagement tactics across cross functional partners.

You will guide major gift committees and internal stakeholders to refine cases and remove barriers for decision making. Stewardship practices will honor commitments, recognize impact, and secure repeat investment over time. You will finalize philanthropic agreements by navigating approvals and addressing concerns.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree. You must bring 10+ years of professional experience or an equivalent track record building and managing sophisticated major gift portfolios. Demonstrated experience in frontline fundraising should focus on major or principal gifts. Proven success managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals is required, along with personal cultivation and solicitation of large philanthropic commitments. Experience building trusted relationships with senior executives, trustees, philanthropists, or other high-profile stakeholders is essential.

Strong written and verbal communication skills must enable clear conveyance of mission and impact. You will develop donor strategies, proposals, and engagement plans. Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems, including pipeline tracking and revenue forecasting, is required.

Preferred qualifications include familiarity with the New York City philanthropic landscape. Experience collaborating across teams to support fundraising strategy is valued. Strong analytical skills should support planning and decision making.

Physical requirements include minimal physical demands, including extended periods working at a desk.

If you do not meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We are excited to learn what you bring.

Our people define Uncommon Schools. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness while attracting and retaining top talent.

Work Environment

Uncommon is an in-person organization. You will commit to at least three days each week at our Central Office in downtown Manhattan, 100 Church Street.

Benefit highlights include 19 days of paid time off. You will receive 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer organization wide holidays. Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans are provided. A 403(b) retirement savings program includes employer match. Paid leave of absence options cover parental, medical, disability, and other needs. Mental health and counseling support along with wellness benefits are available. Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts are included.

At Uncommon Schools, we believe a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve. Over 70% of our staff identify as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment. Reasonable accommodations are available for the interview process and to perform core job functions. To request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high performing public charter schools. We are committed to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. We operate in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference.